Kids & Outreach Pastor

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

WEEKLY ATTENDANCE: 400

Meet Evangelical Free Church of Chico

Discover the vibrant community of Evangelical Free Church of Chico (EFCC), a welcoming home for people of all ages and backgrounds right in the heart of Chico. At EFCC, you’ll find a place to connect, grow in your faith, and experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Our central mission is simple yet profound: to help people find and follow Jesus. We’re dedicated to glorifying God by sharing the Gospel, nurturing Christ-followers, and empowering individuals to serve and make a difference.

About the Kids & Outreach Pastor

Evangelical Free Church of Chico (EFCC) is seeking a passionate and energetic Kids & Outreach Pastor to champion our efforts in reaching families and children within our community and empowering our church to share the love of Jesus effectively. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape the spiritual landscape for the next generation and equip our congregation to be impactful witnesses. You will be instrumental in envisioning and implementing dynamic strategies to win new believers, with a significant focus on children and their families. Your leadership will inspire and equip our church members for both service and evangelism, fostering a culture of outreach that transforms lives.

The Kids & Outreach Pastor’s responsibilities include:

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Actively participate as a vital member of the pastoral team, contributing strategically to the overall vision and ministry of EFCC.
• Effectively communicate ministry plans, activities, and progress to church leadership, staff, volunteers, and the congregation.
• Develop and manage budgets for both the kids and outreach ministries, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
• Stay abreast of the latest best practices in children’s ministry and outreach through continuous learning and professional development.

Cultivating Kids Ministry (Birth-5th Grade):

• Provide visionary leadership to develop and implement a vibrant and engaging children’s ministry (birth through 5th grade) that aligns with EFCC’s overarching mission.
• Plan, organize, and oversee impactful weekly children’s programming, including dynamic Sunday school experiences, and special outreach events like Vacation Bible School and holiday programs that connect with families.
• Inspire, recruit, train, equip, and shepherd a thriving team of volunteers dedicated to serving effectively in the children’s ministry.
• Select and implement age-appropriate and biblically sound curriculum that effectively imparts biblical truths and nurtures spiritual growth in children.
• Prioritize the safety and security of all children involved in ministry activities, ensuring strict adherence to church policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement strategies to build strong connections with parents, providing valuable resources and support for their children’s spiritual development.

Driving Family & Kid-Focused Outreach (Bridges Ministry):

• Develop and execute innovative outreach strategies specifically designed to connect with families and children in our community, aligning with the “WIN” stage of EFCC’s Discipleship Process.
• Spearhead the development and implementation of impactful sports ministry opportunities as a key outreach tool to engage children and families through leagues, clinics, and other related events.
• Organize and participate in meaningful community serving initiatives, school partnerships, block parties, and other outreach events focused on reaching families and children.
• Lead and coordinate local mission efforts that directly impact families and children within our local area.
• Cultivate strong and lasting relationships with parents, school officials, and community leaders involved in children’s activities.

Equipping for Impact & Discipleship:

• Develop and implement effective training programs and resources to empower church members to confidently share their faith with children and families they encounter, aligning with the “EQUIP” stage of EFCC’s Discipleship Process.
• Champion and facilitate opportunities for church members to actively serve in both kids ministry and outreach initiatives focused on families and children.
• Collaborate closely with other ministry leaders to integrate outreach efforts seamlessly with overall discipleship strategies, creating a holistic approach to spiritual growth.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Kids & Outreach Pastor:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Minimum three years of proven experience in church ministry, demonstrating a strong passion for working with children and families in a ministry context.
• An unwavering passion for evangelism and a deep commitment to the Christian faith, with a particular focus on reaching children and families.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing effective outreach strategies, especially those targeting children and families.
• Experience in developing and leading impactful outreach ministry initiatives.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a natural ability to connect authentically with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational and leadership capabilities, with a proven ability to recruit, train, motivate, and empower volunteers.
• A collaborative spirit and the ability to thrive as a valuable member of a team.
• A genuine heart for service and a deep-seated desire to see lives transformed by the power of the Gospel.

What it’s like to live in Chico, CA

Living in Chico, California, presents a unique blend of small-town charm and the vibrancy of a larger city. The cost of living is notably more affordable compared to the California average, particularly when it comes to housing, though it still sits slightly above the national average. Residents enjoy a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers, often pushing past 100°F, and mild, wet winters, allowing for four distinct seasons throughout the year. A major draw to Chico is the access to outdoor recreation, most notably the expansive Bidwell Park, offering endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature. Beyond the natural beauty, downtown Chico boasts a lively scene with farmers’ markets, live music, diverse shops, restaurants, and art galleries, creating a strong sense of community. The presence of California State University, Chico, infuses the city with youthful energy, complementing its family-friendly atmosphere and good schools. Chico offers a high quality of life with its welcoming community, outdoor activities, and relative affordability within California, providing a balanced lifestyle for those seeking a close-knit community with access to both urban amenities and natural beauty.